Sorry for the delay... I hope it's worth it...
Night 4- Continues…
Following Loki from the coliseum, I noticed that most of the koopa troopas, goombas, and other peoples of the castle watched me closely. It was a mixture of respect, anger, hope, and despair.
"Rumors of your strength in the arena have swept the castle," Loki must have noticed too.
"Already," I asked adding, "Master Loki?"
"Yes, maggot," Loki laughed. "Rumors spread very quickly in the castle. They all want to find out how strong you really are."
My head studied their faces and saw the lust in their eyes confirming Loki's theory. "Will I have to fight them?"
"Maybe. If the king gets bored with you, but as of now you're his property," Loki grinned continuing his explanation. "Right now you're protected. No one will risk damaging a piece of King Koopa's property."
Loki's words were validated since everyone simply stared from their spots never motioning toward us. They all looked so much stronger than me though. I wondered if I'd even be able to fight back or defend myself against them.
Suddenly my mind recalled being under King Koopa's foot. I'm going to have to get stronger otherwise I may break under my king's weight! I don't know about here but back on Earth people stand on footstools.
"This is his majesty's room," Loki stopped in front of a large red metal door. "You're lucky Tom."
My head shot left and right down the deserted corridor. It seemed odd to be in a passage void of people. Come to think of it I don't recall seeing any other doors along this hallway either.
"Why am I lucky, Loki," I asked.
"Because nobody is allowed in the king's room not even his own kids," Loki answered smiling at me.
"R-Really," I stammered surprised.
He nodded still housing a smile. "I'd say you made a very good impression." A realization hit me. Loki noticed, "What's wrong?"
I sighed. "Loki, this is goodbye isn't it?"
"Why," Loki responded a little too quickly.
"Because I am a footstool," I answered a little depressed. "In my world footstools remain in one place."
"So," Loki sounded like he understood.
"As a footstool, there is a real possibility King Koopa won't let me leave his room," I sighed continuing, "And if he doesn't allow anyone in his room." I trailed off looking down.
Loki thought about a minute before offering his opinion. He smiled, "I doubt that." The turtle drew my attention. "I think after the impression you made and if you do a good job, you'll be the most powerful piece of furniture in the kingdom."
"Thank you, Master Loki," I joined his grin and extended my hand. "Goodbye until I see you again."
The reptile's head turned up and down the hall. Confirming we were alone, Loki grasped my hand and shook it. "Until next time," Loki smiled impishly, "Maggot."
We both broke into laughter waiting for King Koopa to arrive. "I know I'm a slave and my freedom's gone but I'm really glad I didn't run."
"Me too," Loki looked happily at me. "I'd be dead if you had." His tone turned sincere. "Thank you, Tom."
"It's no big deal. That's what friends do. They look out for each-," I suddenly lost my breath when Loki hugged me. Unsure of what I was allowed to do (I doubt slaves rarely get or give hugs to their captors), I returned his gesture. "Thank you, Loki."
"Your shell's ripped," Loki said releasing me.
"My shell," I questioned before realizing he meant my backpack. I took it off finding a slit from where Jimmy stabbed me. I opened the biggest pouch and stuck my hand through the front and the back of the bag.
Loki watched my hand disappear back into the bag. "Looks like that mushroom's blade did go through you."
"You're telling me," I responded pulling a hard cover textbook. The sword went through it as if it were only a single sheet. I knew it was really sharp for not being metal.
"Give it to me. I'll see if my wife can fix it," Loki offered.
My jaw hit the floor. "You're married!" The turtle nodded. "How come you didn't say anything before?"
Loki shrugged. "I wasn't allowed," he answered. "We weren't allowed to talk to each other remember."
"Oh yeah to prevent friendship or mixed feelings from forming," I recalled a previous conversation. I didn't want Loki to get in trouble so I returned my bag to my shoulder. He's being too nice.
"If it makes you feel better, I thought about telling ever since our third day together," Loki said.
I heard the sincerity in his voice and nodded. "Do you have any children?"
"Not yet. We've only recently got married but some day," Loki looked past me. "Look alive, maggot."
It was his signal that someone was coming down the hall. Judging by the lack of foot traffic during our time together, I assumed King Koopa was the one on approach. I turned and faced the direction of his majesty.
Accidentally a small burst of laughter escaped my lips. The king moved at a steady brisk pace reminding me of a speed walker. I continued my chuckle when King Koopa finally reached us.
"Hello my king," I powered through my chuckle.
"What's so funny footstool," King Koopa ordered.
'Lie' my brain told my head. 'Don't answer' my head relayed to my mouth and tongue but those body parts lack of hearing didn't obey. "Your walk," I broke into laughter again.
"You find something comical about the way your new master walks," the king questioned in a serious tone that caused Loki's eyes to widen and his yellow scaled face go white.
I knew it was wrong but I just couldn't control myself. "You walk like me," I said. He continued looking questioningly at me. I laughed elaborating. "Like you're in a hurry but not really getting anywhere any faster."
"I am in a hurry. I'm anxious to tryout my new footstool," King Koopa answered excitedly. He coughed trying to hide his anticipation. "You're about to be underfoot.
"Are you sure you should be making fun of your king's powerful walk," he asked in a menacing tone.
"Nope," I laughed. "And a powerful walk it is indeed. Did you know in my world it's considered an Olympic event? It's a race." The king squinted at me so I took it as a cue to continue talking. "I know right? Power walking and the winners get either a bronze, silver, or gold medal.
"I bet you'd win if giant dragon turtles were allowed to compete. You rushed here all the way from the coliseum without breaking a sweat or getting winded," I sighed. "But alas my world doesn't have any beings as cool as you."
There was an unsettling quiet between the three of us. Suddenly King Koopa erupted into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Loki finally seemed to relax as the color returned to his face.
"Loki, where did you find this one," the king calmed down only to break into more laughter. "That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and I heard of a Super Mario TV show."
"It's all true, sire," I said.
"I know. It's too absurd to be made up and I know your tell when you're lying," King Koopa smirked when his laughter finally subsided.
I smirked back wide eyed powering through my own chuckle. "Oh no."
King Koopa entered another laughing fit. I knew I'm supposed to be afraid here. I mean I am a slave after all but the air between us felt more like calamari. Or is it comradely?
Finally Loki broke his silence bowing humbly at King Koopa's feet when the king calmed down. "Sire, I request permission to repair this slave's shell."
"Shell," King Koopa questioned before his eyes fell upon my cut backpack. "Permission granted. Remove your shell footstool."
"M-my lord," I stammered removing the bag from my shoulder giving it to Loki. "You already spoil this slave too much."
My king smirked. "And don't you forget it," he said in a "that's right" tone.
"You're benevolence knows no bounds, my king," I bowed my head appreciatively.
Just like with Loki on our journey, I don't believe King Koopa's use to compliments or being thanked. He stood quietly a minute before saying, "Besides" he drew my attention to his eyes. Neither one of us broke away, "I don't want anything coming between my feet and your cushion."
I laughed immediately. King Koopa's so funny and cool. I'm really excited that I'm going to get to spend more time with him. I'm glad he didn't eat me.
"Loki that's all for tonight. You may go home," King Koopa ordered.
Loki bowed. "Thank you sire. Have a good night, my king."
"Good night and thank you, Master Loki," I said as he passed. It caused the turtle to halt in his tracks. I decided to take a chance using his name. I figured that King Koopa would either reprimand me or look the other way.
Loki's head slowly turned to the king and widen into a smile as his majesty's head stared at something in the sky.
"Good night, T-," Loki caught himself. The king may have looked the other way at a slave learning his captor's name but even I doubted he'd be leant with a captor learning a slave's name. Loki finished half choking, "Footstool."
I smiled watching Loki disappearing into the shadows of the endless corridor. My attention shifted to my king. Bouncing on my heels, King Koopa cocked his head in a questioning way.
I offered an enthusiastic smile but remained silent. The king just continued staring at me confused. I wanted to say something but I didn't know if I was allowed. To quote the king:
"I am a piece of furniture and he doesn't want to hear me speak or complain."
I mean for all I knew this was another test. Finally I couldn't take his silence anymore. "Sire?"
"Why did you go quiet," the king asked catching me off guard.
It happened that fast. Rule 1 broken. I didn't know whether to remind King Koopa or to just make up an answer. One thing's for sure. My king must be lonely if he talks to his furniture. Who knows maybe I'll even reach pet status.
I decided to make up an honest answer. "I'm just excited to start serving the coolest person I ever met," I told him. "I hope I do well enough to live up to your expectations."
King Koopa examined my face clearly looking for my "tell" but he isn't going to find one. I meant every word. I really want to serve and satisfy his needs.
"Then let's get you to work," he smiled opening his bedroom door leading me inside.
Inside of his majesty's private chambers could only be described as "Gasp" Well I guess "enormous" would've worked in hindsight. All I know is that I felt like a dwarf.
At the center of the room sat a chair as large as the stone one from the throne room with a statue holding a large stone plate. I walked over to the chair figuring I'd get to see the whole room.
Turning to the left side of the chamber, tens of thousands of books lined a bookcase standing fifteen feet tall and ten feet wide. I wondered if King Koopa would allow me to read them or if they were for his eyes only. I'll have to remember to ask.
The next thing I saw along that wall was a large doorway. Maybe a bathroom?
Continuing my survey along that wall, I registered a large oriental changing screen with something pale purple draped over it. I'm assuming it's an oriental screen from what I remember at home.
Although I'm pretty sure the screens back there didn't feature King Koopa standing with what appeared to be an unconscious human plumber in a red hat with the letter "M" on it underfoot. It's still a pretty cool picture and I heard the king chuckle when I smiled.
Turning toward the back of the room, my eyes traveled up two steps to a gigantic stone framed bed. It was easily the size of three king size beds put together. Carved in the stone head and foot boards were silhouettes of King Koopa's face surround by gems that sparkled the same color as the flame from the trust exercise. "Ooh" escaped my lips making his majesty chuckle again.
The plateau of that room extended into an elegant balcony just beyond a pair of stained glass doors. Mental note ask if I am allowed on the balcony. Side mental thought, I wonder how high we are.
Against the far corner of that landing explained the room's source of light and heat. A lava fountain carved from marble sent steady streams of the glowing liquid hot magma into a small pool at its base. The fountain's design converted the base into two steps descending back into the sitting area.
Along the right wall, finely woven tapestries hung depicting King Koopa and eight smaller turtles. I recognized most of them from the coliseum. I guess they really were the king's children. They were huddled together like a family portrait. It must be a sentimental side that he can't or won't show anyone.
My attention returned to find the king smirking. "Cool room," I said.
"Naturally," he answered smugly.
"I am honored you allowed me to see it, sire," I bowed lowering to my hands and knees in front of his chair. "Shall I begin my duties?" I looked at the king when I realized he hasn't moved.
"Not tonight," he responded.
"Sire," I asked.
"You've had a long and exciting day getting to meet moi," King Koopa said arrogantly making me laugh. He continued, "Tonight you can rest and ask questions."
"You spoil this slave," I responded. "I can still ask questions while serving you my lord and savior." It was the king's turn to laugh. "There's no reason you can't sit down and relax with your feet up too."
King Koopa looked as if he were about to cry. I don't think anyone's expressed consideration for him before. That's the impression he gave me anyway.
"Very well since you are an eager little maggot," he walked behind the changing screen. "You may start asking your questions."
"How high are we," I asked without thinking. My head yelled at me 'Idiot!'
"Really," the king asked from behind the screen. "I give you permission to ask any question and you ask that?"
We both broke into laughter. "I know. That was a stupid question."
"Come with me maggot," his majesty emerged from behind the screen wearing a pale purple robe inviting me onto the balcony.
I couldn't tell if King Koopa had removed his shell or not. I mean he looked very slimming in that robe but his shell wasn't lying on the floor behind the screen or anything.
I hesitated at the balcony doorway. The king looked back at me from the edge of the railing. Each post was a miniature image of him. "Why are you over there?"
"Am I allowed on the balcony," I asked looking for his approval.
The king smiled. "You have access anywhere and to anything inside my room."
"Books too sire," I asked approaching him.
"Anything," he repeated.
"Well not anything," I stepped beside the king. "I can't imagine being allowed on the bed."
King Koopa chuckled. "That's correct maggot."
I could be wrong but I don't think King Koopa officially said "No." Maybe I am allowed on the bed after all. I didn't have time to think about it though. Not after I looked over the railing gasping at the red pit below.
"We are 50,000 feet in the air directly over the heart of the volcano," his majesty explained. "So any chance of escaping to your freedom this way is just a pipe dream."
I laughed tilting my head skyward. The mountainous walls rose to the pearly gates of heaven. Well they were high anyway.
"There is still another 100,000 feet to climb to get out that way," He said, "Escape is impossible. Mwa ha ha ha."
"Why would I want to escape? Your home is amazing," my eyes spotted several paratroopas flying high against the walls. "What are they doing?"
"Farming," my king answered.
"Inside a volcano," I questioned. "Farming what?"
"Golden mushrooms," my king drew my attention. "Those tasty shrooms grow rather easily and quickly in the soot of the volcano."
Remembering the conversation from the coliseum, "But I thought you said they were rare in the wild."
King Koopa smiled devilishly. "They are… he he," he said, "Nobody in all the kingdoms knows we grow them. Not even the citizens of the city.
"They're the secret cash cow of the Darklands and only a handful of people including me, the paratroopas out there, and a single piece of furniture know about it."
"Good thing furniture doesn't talk," I laughed.
"Well said footstool," he agreed.
King Koopa studied me when I abruptly stopped laughing. I became aware of a pain in the pit of my stomach. "I'm sorry your majesty but where is the bathroom?"
"The doorway by the changing screen," King Koopa directed me.
"Thank you, sire. If you'll excuse me," I ran from the balcony.
Entering the cove, I saw that everything once again was made of stone from the jumbo sink to a gargantuan soaking tub that sat just right of a giant stand up shower. I was about to drop my pants and sit on the circular stone commode (that looked more like a wishing well than a toilet) when I looked into the hole. I felt the warmth radiating back at me.
"S-sire," I called.
"What? Don't tell me you're not potty trained," his voice came from the other room.
I laughed. "Of course I am. It's just that THAT doesn't look like water in the bowl."
My king entered the bathroom and peered into the hole. "It's not."
"Um… How am I supposed to not fall in?"
"I thought you said you were potty trained? How don't you know how to use a toilet?"
"The toilets back home had water in the bowl and a seat to keep people from falling in," I answered a little embarrassed having to explain.
"Water? We drink water. Why would we waste it in toilets," King Koopa looked stunned.
"Well, um, how do you handle backsplash," I asked blushing.
"Backsplash," King Koopa repeated confused for a moment before laughing. He must have found it extra funny because each time I thought he was finished; my king erupted into a new stronger fit.
Finally calming down, he explained, "The lava's too hot. It burns apart before making contact. There is no splash."
I exhaled a sigh of relief. "Then if you'll excuse me, sire." I shuffled the giant reptile from the room.
It took several minutes because I had to grab the wall every couple seconds. I kept feeling like I was falling backward but my king was right… No splash.
After I finished, I ran into my second problem. There wasn't anything to wipe with. I shouldn't be surprised. I don't think turtles have cheek. Oh great I can't call the king in again. He'd really think I wasn't potty trained.
I ended up removing my socks. Luckily it wasn't a wet one. Mental note… 'Ask King Koopa for toilet paper' I thought tossing my socks into the lava pit.
Venturing over to the sink, I hesitated a little worried his majesty used lava to wash his hands. When I turned the "C" handle (How about that? They mark'em hot and cold here too), warm water poured out. It had to be at least 80 degrees.
I was about to say something until I remembered we were in a volcano. That's probably as low a temperature the water's going to get. At least I won't have to worry about using all the hot water.
A thought or a joke occurred to me as I exited the bathroom. "There's something wrong with your cold water valve," I said smiling. "No wonder you want to stomp your plumber so bad."
The king followed my line of sight to the picture on the changing screen. He roared with laughter. It was that special kind of laughter that warms the body all over leaving a person gasping for air.
"Who is he," I asked after King Koopa settled down.
"He is a story for another night," the king answered.
"Yes, sire" I responded accepting his wish without question. He said he'd tell me in time. Honestly why would I want to ruin our perfect first day. Well as perfect as a master/slave relationship could start anyway.
"Listen footstool. I don't want you using the bathroom while I'm in the room. It's disgusting," my king ordered. My scent must have contaminated the air. Damn mushrooms.
I nodded my understanding. Walking back to the chair and end table, an involuntary gasp escaped my lips as I finally got a good look at the table figure's features up close.
The statue had to be about 4 feet of white marble carved and polished into a beautiful woman. I'm assuming it was a woman but given the people I've met so far who knows. The statue looked as if it had silky shoulder length blonde hair and a fair unblemished face with rosy cheeks as if constantly blushing. Its eyes were blue sapphires that bore into my very soul along with a smile that warmed my heart to its core.
She projected an image of pure royalty and with good reason since she wore a slightly pink ball gown (One of those ones with the puffy bottom that real women have to lift in order to walk around).
Her arms slipped up to the elbow in elegant ivory gloves. The right hand held a tray for food and drink while the left arm bent at the elbow resting the left hand firmly on her hip. I half expected her to come to life and slap me for staring.
Finally I spotted a crown sitting atop her head with a blue stone that matched a blue stone at the base of the collar on her dress.
"Wow," I said staring.
"I know," King Koopa walked over.
"Who is she," I asked really hoping King Koopa would tell me instead of waiting for another day.
"The love of my life," King Koopa said sitting when I patted his chair. "Princess Toadstool, Peach, to her friends." The king lifted his feet gently placing them on my back after I crawled into position facing the table.
I waited for the king to tell me more hoping that his story would take my mind off the added weight my back had undertaken. When I tilted my head to inquiry further, I saw his highness was lost in thought.
I decided to focus my attention on not collapsing while under his foot. At least he told me her name. I wonder if I could read about her in any of the books on the wall.
King Koopa remained silent for a while before my arms started wobbling violently. "That's enough for tonight footstool," he looked at something by his bed. "Hmm. 2 & a half hour. Not bad for a first night. I expect you as fresh as daisy when I wake."
"Yes, my lord."
His majesty rose from the chair and disappeared somewhere in his bed since the glow from the fountain diminished turning the room pitch black. I pressed against the chair resting my back on the stone floor. It was a little uncomfortable against the back of my head but that should change once I get my shell back. Looking back day four was pretty long…